Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

The Total EFA Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Health From The Sun

Liquid Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

The Total EFA is a dietary supplement by Health From The Sun with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart health, healthy cooking fat, skin moisturizing.Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Oleic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of The Total EFA by Health From The Sun

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Organic Oil Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (11,700 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

The Total EFA is a liquid supplement with 5 active ingredients, all essential fatty acids (omega-3s and omega-6s your body can't make on its own). It contains gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and an organic oil blend with lignan flaxseed oil.

There are no inactive ingredients listed for this product.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: nutritional support for heart, brain and whole body health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Coronary heart disease (CHD), Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Stroke, Depression, Diabetes — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Oleic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Coronary heart disease (CHD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Oleic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Also on file: Oleic Acid is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Depression, Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, and more.

Oleic acid, one of the ingredients here, is rated possibly effective for high cholesterol and coronary heart disease based on preliminary evidence. The effectiveness of the other fatty acids in this product isn't established in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Oleic Acid

How safe is it?

Some data gaps
Safety Information · database check
Some gaps

Safety data exists for these ingredients, but with some important gaps.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 0 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Oleic acid from food sources like olive oil is generally recognized as safe in normal amounts. However, concentrated supplements of oleic acid — like you'd get from a product like this — haven't been well studied during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting. No adverse effects are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Oleic Acid

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Oleic Acid.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take antidiabetes drugs or insulin to manage your blood sugar, talk to your pharmacist before starting. Oleic acid may increase how well those medications work, which could affect your blood glucose levels.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and some safety-information gaps remain.

This is an essential fatty acid blend that may help with cholesterol and heart health. If you take blood sugar medications, check with your pharmacist first — oleic acid could enhance their effect.

Pregnant or nursing? Get personalized advice from your doctor before you use it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2014.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about The Total EFA, straight from the product label.

Brand Health From The Sun
Barcode (UPC) 010043050962
Net contents 16 fl. Oz.; 473 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2014
DSLD ID 34315
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for The Total EFA by Health From The Sun, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tbsp
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tbsp
Servings per container
31
UPC/BARCODE
010043050962
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories130 {Calories}--
Calories from Fat120 {Calories}--
Total Fat14 Gram(s)22%
Saturated Fat1.5 Gram(s)8%
Gamma-Linolenic Acid290 mg--
Linoleic Acid2300 mg--
Oleic Acid1700 mg--
Alpha-Linolenic Acid5800 mg--
Organic Oil Blend11700 mg--
organic Lignan Flaxseed Oil particulate2070 mg--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

WARNING: Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.

General Statements

Keep your licensed health care practitioner informed when using this product.

Together, these potent plant oils supply an optimal fatty acid profile intended to provide nutritional support for heart, brain and whole body health in just one tablespoon per serving.

WHOLE BODY NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

Rigorously quality tested to guarantee purity, potency and truth-in-labeling.

Product of Canada

Formula

OMEGA 3-6-9

FLAX~BORAGE EVENING PRIMROSE with Flax Lignans

The Total EFA(TM) is a blend of certified organic flax, borage and evening primrose oils.

General

2586106 0613

Seals/Symbols

USDA ORGANIC

100% VEGETARIAN FORMULA

Formulation

VEGETARIAN FORMULA

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Use only as directed. Take one tablespoon daily with food or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Discussion: The Total EFA(TM) vegetarian liquid is a comprehensive, purely plant based omega 3-6-9 nutritional supplement, fortified with lignan rich flax particulate.

(C)2013

The superior flavor and freshness of The Total EFA(TM) is preserved with a nitrogen-flushed, induction sealed bottle. Enjoy The Total EFA(TM) by the spoonful, or add to smoothies, dips or dressings for easy omega nutrition.

See for yourself

The Total EFA by Health From The Sun label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in The Total EFA by Health From The Sun

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tbsp Dosage formLiquid Servings per container31 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Organic Oil Blend

11700 mg per serving Form: Borage Oil, Evening Primrose, Flax
  • › Gamma-Linolenic Acid
  • › Linoleic Acid
  • Oleic Acid
  • › Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Organic Lignan Flaxseed Oil particulate

2070 mg per serving
Interaction report

The Total EFA by Health From The Sun Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against The Total EFA?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in The Total EFA with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Oleic Acid1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, oleic acid might increase the effects of antidiabetes drugs. Preliminary clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes taking oral hypoglycemic drugs shows that eating a diet rich in oleic acid from olive oil decreases fasting blood glucose levels when compared to eating a diet rich in linoleic acid from sunflower oil. It is unknown if taking oleic acid supplements would have this effect or if this change is clinically significant. Until more is known, use caution. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for The Total EFA, from the product label.

Health From The Sun

See all Health From The Sun products
Name
NutraPure, Inc.
Web Address
www.reachforlife.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

The Total EFA by Health From The Sun: Common Questions

Does The Total EFA by Health From The Sun interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, The Total EFA has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
The Total EFA contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What are the active ingredients in The Total EFA?
It has five active essential fatty acids: gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and organic lignan flaxseed oil. These are omega-3s and omega-6s your body needs but can't make itself.
Does oleic acid in this product actually work?
Oleic acid is rated possibly effective for lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health, based on early research. It's not proven, but the evidence is promising enough to say it may help.
Is The Total EFA safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safety data for concentrated supplement doses isn't available. Food amounts of oleic acid are considered safe, but we don't have enough information about supplement levels. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Are there any fillers or additives in this?
No inactive ingredients are listed for this product — it's just the five active fatty acids.
Can I take The Total EFA if I'm on diabetes medication?
Oleic acid may boost the effect of blood sugar medications, so it's worth a quick check with your pharmacist first. They can tell you whether it'll affect how your medication works for you.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if The Total EFA is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

The Total EFA label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

The Total EFA's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 19 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Oleic Acid 19 references
  1. Madigan C, Ryan M, Owens D, et al. Dietary unsaturated fatty acids in type 2 diabetes: higher levels of postprandial lipoprotein on a linoleic acid-rich sunflower oil diet compared with an oleic acid-rich olive oil diet. Diabetes Care 2000;23:1472-7. PubMed
  2. Gillingham, L. G., Gustafson, J. A., Han, S. Y., Jassal, D. S., and Jones, P. J. High-oleic rapeseed (canola) and flaxseed oils modulate serum lipids and inflammatory biomarkers in hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Br J Nutr 2011;105(3):417-427. PubMed
  3. Jones PJ, Senanayake VK, Pu S, Jenkins DJ, Connelly PW, Lamarche B, Couture P, Charest A, Baril-Gravel L, West SG, Liu X, Fleming JA, McCrea CE, Kris-Etherton PM. DHA-enriched high-oleic acid canola oil improves lipid profile and lowers predicted cardiova
  4. Cater, N. B., Heller, H. J., and Denke, M. A. Comparison of the effects of medium-chain triacylglycerols, palm oil, and high oleic acid sunflower oil on plasma triacylglycerol fatty acids and lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in humans. Am.J Clin.Nutr PubMed
  5. Mozaffarian D, Clarke R. Quantitative effects on cardiovascular risk factors and coronary heart disease risk of replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with other fats and oils. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009;63(Suppl 2):S22-33. PubMed
  6. Cao Y, Hou L, Wang W. Dietary total fat and fatty acids intake, serum fatty acids and risk of breast cancer: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Int J Cancer. 2016;138(8):1894-904. doi: 10.1002/ijc.29938. PubMed
  7. FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for oleic acid and the risk of coronary heart disease. November 2018. Available at: www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm624758.htm. Accessed January 25, 2019.
  8. Liu X, Kris-Etherton PM, West SG, et al. Effects of canola and high-oleic-acid canola oils on abdominal fat mass in individuals with central obesity. Obesity. 2016;24(11):2261-2268. PubMed
  9. Bowen KJ, Kris-Etherton PM, West SG, et al. Diets enriched with conventional or high-oleic acid canola oils lower atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins compared to a diet with a western fatty acid profile in adults with central adiposity. J Nutr. 2019;149(3 PubMed
  10. Steffen BT, Duprez D, Szklo M, Guan W, Tsai MY. Circulating oleic acid levels are related to greater risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. J Clin Lipidol. 2018;12(6):1404-1412. PubMed
  11. Banim PJ, Luben R, Khaw KT, Hart AR. Dietary oleic acid is inversely associated with pancreatic cancer - Data from food diaries in a cohort study. Pancreatology. 2018;18(6):655-660. PubMed
  12. Morin SJ, Gaziano JM, Djoussé L. Relation between plasma phospholipid oleic acid and risk of heart failure. Eur J Nutr. 2018;57(8):2937-2942. PubMed
  13. Samieri C, Féart C, Proust-Lima C, et al. Olive oil consumption, plasma oleic acid, and stroke incidence: the Three-City Study. Neurology. 2011;77(5):418-25. PubMed
  14. Compher CW, Kinosian BP, Rubesin SE, Ratcliffe SJ, Metz DC. Energy absorption is reduced with oleic acid supplements in human short bowel syndrome. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2009;33(1):102-8. PubMed
  15. Ben Fradj MK, Ouanes Y, Hadj-Taieb S, et al. Decreased oleic acid and marine n?-?3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Tunisian patients with urothelial bladder cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2018;70(7):1043-1050.
  16. de Silva PS, Luben R, Shrestha SS, Khaw KT, Hart AR. Dietary arachidonic and oleic acid intake in ulcerative colitis etiology: a prospective cohort study using 7-day food diaries. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;26(1):11-8. PubMed
  17. Higashi K, Shige H, Ito T, et al. Effect of a low-fat diet enriched with oleic acid on postprandial lipemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lipids. 2001;36(1):1-6. PubMed
  18. Lin HC, van Citters GW, Heimer F, Bonorris G. Slowing of gastrointestinal transit by oleic acid: a preliminary report of a novel, nutrient-based treatment in humans. Dig Dis Sci. 2001;46(2):223-9. PubMed
  19. Li D, Tong Y, Li Y. Associations between dietary oleic acid and linoleic acid and depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Nutrition. 2020 Mar;71:110602. PubMed

See these in context on the Oleic Acid monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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